MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Chamber has named Bay Gourmet Catering/Crown Hall a 2025 Small Business of the Year finalist.

From a small kitchen at the Loop to one of downtown Mobile’s premier event venues, Bay Gourmet Catering / Crown Hall has spent 25 years crafting memorable experiences that combine exceptional food with genuine Southern hospitality.

Founded by Sarah Clark, Bay Gourmet began with a vision to celebrate the Gulf Coast’s abundance through vibrant, seasonal menus. “We wanted to take the ingredients we grew up with, the seafood and the produce, and present them in a way that was both meaningful and memorable,” Clark said.

What started as a modest catering company has grown into a full-service event business now operating out of Crown Hall, a 30,000-square-foot venue on St. Louis Street with an additional 5,000-square-foot outdoor courtyard. The space allows Bay Gourmet to host everything from intimate dinners to large corporate events.

The company has handled milestone celebrations across the Gulf Coast, including catering the ThyssenKrupp steel plant opening for 5,000 guests, a major turning point for the business. “Everyone else had turned it down,” Clark said. “I asked them to keep it local. After a tasting in our little midtown kitchen, they agreed. We pulled together 400 employees that night, and it made our business.”

That success led to steady growth and reinvestment in Mobile. Today, Bay Gourmet operates with a core staff of five full-time employees and up to 50 part-time team members for larger events. “We’ve weathered hurricanes, COVID and road renovations,” Clark said. “My father always says it takes 20 years to be an overnight success, and he wasn’t wrong. Growth takes time and patience.”

With the opening of Crown Hall, Bay Gourmet has become a cornerstone of downtown’s event scene, offering catering, cocktail and venue services in one location. The team takes pride in making event planning simple and enjoyable for clients. “Our approach has always been to keep it simple and kind,” Clark said. “We want every guest to leave satisfied and every client to feel cared for.”

A longtime supporter of the Mobile Chamber, Bay Gourmet has hosted numerous Chamber events, including the Annual Meeting, Small Business of the Year Awards and the Champagne and Oysters Reception. “We’ve grown alongside this city,” Clark said. “It’s been incredible to watch Mobile’s momentum and to know we’ve played a part in it. There’s so much excitement here, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.”

2025 Small Business of the Year Luncheon and Awards Ceremony

Join us for the 2025 Small Business of the Year Luncheon and Awards Ceremony as we celebrate this year’s outstanding finalists and announce the winner of a $10,000 prize. The event honors companies recognized for excellence in business practices, financial strength, community service, growth and innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to support and be inspired by Mobile’s thriving small business community. Get your tickets today!